FAQ

Learn More from Our Skilled Orthodontists in Denver

Look for an orthodontist who is:

  • Board-certified or highly experienced
  • Offers modern technology like 3D scans, Invisalign, and LightForce braces
  • Has excellent patient reviews and a welcoming team
  • Provides affordable, transparent payment options

At Lowry Orthodontics in Denver, Dr. Joanna Levin & Dr. Kristen Lowe and our team combine experience, technology, and a friendly atmosphere to make every smile transformation an amazing experience.

We have specialized training and provide a high standard of patient care for those looking to straighten their teeth or correct issues with their facial structure. You can read more about Lowry Orthodontics and our doctors before contacting us for an appointment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, an orthodontist can spot potential issues early and guide jaw and tooth development.

For teens, braces or Invisalign are common once most adult teeth have come in—usually between ages 11 and 15.

At Lowry Orthodontics, we also treat adults of all ages. It’s never too late to improve your smile—adult treatment options like Invisalign or LightForce custom braces make orthodontic care more comfortable and discreet than ever.

LightForce braces are 3D-printed, custom-designed braces made for your exact tooth shape and treatment plan. They’re faster, more precise, and more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear removable aligners that straighten teeth without brackets or wires.

Both options offer amazing results—the best choice depends on your treatment needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Our Denver orthodontist will help you decide which is right for you.

Yes! When prescribed by an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces for most patients. For more complex cases, LightForce braces can offer additional precision. At Lowry Orthodontics, we also utilize Dental Monitoring, a cutting-edge technology that allows your orthodontist to track your progress remotely through your smartphone. This means fewer in-office visits, faster adjustments, and more personalized care throughout your treatment. We’ll help you choose the option that delivers your dream smile with maximum comfort and efficiency.

At Lowry Orthodontics, the cost of Invisalign and LightForce braces is comparable, and we offer flexible, affordable payment plans for every budget.

Treatment cost depends on your case complexity, but most patients find that Invisalign is similar in price to braces—and both are often covered by orthodontic insurance.

We’ll review your personalized estimate during your free consultation.

You might benefit from orthodontic care if you notice:

  • Crowded or crooked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Jaw discomfort or shifting teeth

Our complimentary exam includes photos, a 3D scan, and an orthodontist consultation to help you understand your options.

Common signs your child may need orthodontic treatment include:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
  • Difficulty biting or chewing
  • Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking habits
  • Teeth that don’t come together properly

A visit to Lowry Orthodontics around age 7 helps us catch these concerns early and guide growth for a healthy, confident smile.

Early, or Phase One, orthodontic treatments occur on children between 7 and 10 years old. This treatment usually lasts for 12 to 21 months and is performed to address serious issues. After Phase One, your child will be monitored and you will be informed of future treatment options, which usually involves braces.

Absolutely! More adults than ever are choosing Invisalign and LightForce braces to perfect their smiles. Our adult patients love Invisalign for its nearly invisible look, while LightForce offers a faster, precise option for more complex cases. At Lowry Orthodontics, we also use Dental Monitoring, which allows your orthodontist to track your progress remotely via your smartphone. This means fewer in-office visits, faster adjustments, and a treatment plan that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule and lifestyle.

Delaying orthodontic treatment can cause:

  • Tooth wear or damage
  • Jaw pain or headaches
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Increased risk of gum problems
  • Shifting or worsening misalignment over time

Early intervention can prevent future dental problems and often shorten treatment time.

Call our office if you are feeling high amounts of pain or if your braces break. If we cannot help you over the phone, we’ll make an appointment for you as soon as possible.

Generally, you should brush four times a day, or after every meal and before you go to sleep. We will teach you how to gently brush your teeth and how to floss, as well as prescribing fluoride if needed.

Our Denver orthodontist will give you a comprehensive list of food and drink to avoid while you have braces. This includes sticky or hard candy, gum, ice, and raw vegetables that can gum up or break your braces.

Regular checkups are very important to your mouth’s health, with or without braces. Your family dentist can give you more information about how often you should be seen for a cleaning.

Of course, we just recommend that you use a mouth guard to protect the orthodontic work and your new smile.

Never! Every patient gets a new set of braces designed specifically for their mouth.

Orthodontic procedures do not require any shots.

Yes! It’s perfectly safe and encouraged.

In general, braces do not hurt, however, after an appointment where the braces were tightened, the patient may be a bit sore. Usually, this is easily treated with Tylenol or other over the counter pain relief and most patients feel no discomfort at all.

We understand your busy schedule and will always try to accommodate it. At Lowry Orthodontics, we are happy to have your appointment with your child while you take care of other issues outside our office. We just ask that you check in with your patient manager before leaving your child.

Most individuals with braces will need to be seen by our Denver orthodontist every 5 to 10 weeks, but there are circumstances which may require additional appointments and monitoring.

Lowry Orthodontics will explain all costs before we perform any orthodontic procedure. We offer numerous financing options to fit your budget and some insurance policies cover part of the cost. We can help you file your dental insurance claim.

Again, the answer depends on your specific circumstances, with most patients completing orthodontic treatment within 12 to 30 months.

The answer depends on your specific situation. Depending on the amount of space in the mouth, you may have to remove a tooth or two to achieve a straighter smile. However, with advances in orthodontics, this is not always necessary anymore.

We will look for a few basic things:

  • Is there a problem and what is it?
  • How can we fix any issues?
  • Do we need to remove any teeth?
  • What are treatment options and how long will they take?
  • What is the cost of the treatment?

After you contact Lowry Orthodontics, our office staff will contact you for some basic information. You will then be asked to come in at a time that works for you. Our Denver orthodontists will then take x-rays and photos as well as completing a comprehensive exam to diagnose any issues. You can learn more by visiting our page on what to expect during your first visit.

Invisalign clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces for many patients. They use a series of custom, removable trays to gently move teeth into place—without brackets or wires.

Other minor cosmetic concerns can sometimes be improved with bonding or veneers, though those don’t correct bite issues.

At Lowry Orthodontics, we’ll help you find the most effective and aesthetic solution for your smile.

Unfortunately, no. This is because as more teeth grow in, the available space in the mouth decreases, causing the potential for more misalignment.

It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that you schedule your child’s first screen when they are seven years old. Generally permanent teeth have come in by this age and our Denver orthodontists can better assess any conditions.

While many patients to Lowry Orthodontics come via referrals, you can schedule an appointment for yourself. Call us at (303) 366-9090 today!

Quick Links

Get In Touch

Our dental treatments will give you a beautiful smile. For any questions, please feel free to call or text us! A team member will happily answer your call or reply to your text as we offer 2-way texting.